Executive Assistant | Assistant Secretary, Fish Passage Program

Executive Assistant | Assistant Secretary, Fish Passage Program

Salary

$79,176.00 - $98,568.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-HQ-0E271

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

07/01/2026

Closing Date

7/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the worlds longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking an experienced and highly organized Executive Assistant to provide confidential executive-level administrative support to the Assistant Secretary for the Fish Passage Program (FPP). In this critical role, you will manage complex administrative operations, coordinate executive priorities, and provide strategic support that enables the Assistant Secretary to lead statewide efforts delivering the FPP in alignment with agency goals, statewide transportation objectives, and federal court requirements. You will serve as a trusted resource, exercising a high degree of independence, sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism while collaborating with executive leadership and providing guidance to administrative professionals across the agency. Our top candidate will possess exceptional organizational and communication skills, the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, strong knowledge of executive administrative practices, and a commitment to confidentiality, customer service, and operational excellence.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Executive Assistant will:

• Maintain executive calendar and schedule multiple complex appointments with high-level staff and other government executives and partners.
• Ensure Assistant Secretary is aware of status deadlines and priority of work activities according to known needs, preferences and personal judgment.
• Create and format documents electronically including itineraries, presentations, spreadsheets, and other related documents.
• Serve as communication liaison between the Assistant Secretary, FPP staff, and other partners; relay assignments to staff, information to and coordinate with subordinate units, stakeholders, and partner agencies.
• Manage delicate or tense situations with utmost sensitivity and discretion, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism and sharing information only with those authorized.
• Independently compose and type correspondence on behalf of the Assistant Secretary; edit and proofread correspondence for signature and process and distribute correspondence.
• Track and manage all WSDOT Referrals and Governor Referrals received by FPP. Edits. Formats and garners the Assistant Secretarys approval of responses provided by FPP staff.
• Manage FPP's fiscal notes ; obtain the Assistant Secretarys approval and ensure that due dates are met.
• Serve as the Assistant Secretary's travel coordinator including flights, lodging, ground transportation, daily itineraries, factoring time zones, coordinating the presentation/talking points prepared and approved, etc.
• Monitor and manage office supply inventory.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Executive Administrative Support: Progressively responsible, recent and substantial demonstrated experience providing professional-level administrative support to senior-level managers.
• Confidentiality & Professional Judgment: Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, sound judgment, and political awareness while representing executive leadership.
• Government & Administrative Knowledge: Experience and in-depth knowledge of government organization and administrative procedures, government functions, office methods and procedures, research and data collection, and state and agency functional and personnel policies.
• Communication & Professional Relationships: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, compose, edit, and proofread professional correspondence and reports, and build productive working relationships through collaboration, integrity, tact, and customer service.
• Organization & Workload Management: Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing priorities and interruptions, and consistently deliver accurate, timely work products.
• Microsoft Office & Technology Proficiency: Advanced proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with internet-based tools. Experience composing, editing, and proofreading professional communication materials to support executive administrative functions.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others. Puts team success ahead of individual success and values of all team members.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:

• Public Sector Administrative Experience: Experience providing professional administrative support in a city, county, state or federal agency, transportation or transit agency, or office of an elected official.
• Presentation & Communication: Skills and the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and participate in meetings in an active, cooperative, and courteous manner; share appropriate information internally and externally and is open to feedback from staff, peers, and supervisors.
• Workload Management: Skilled in organizing and prioritizing multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough and on time.
• Teamwork: Ability to fulfill commitments to other team members, promote a friendly climate, good morale, and cooperation among team members.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-0E271 in the subject line.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Executive Administrative Support: Select the option that best describes your experience providing executive-level administrative support.

• I have extensive experience providing executive-level administrative support to senior leaders or executives, independently managing complex priorities, schedules, correspondence, and confidential matters.
• I have experience providing administrative support to managers or supervisors, including coordinating schedules, preparing documents, and supporting daily operations.
• I have limited experience providing administrative support in a professional office environment.
• I do not have this experience.

02

Please briefly describe your most recent role providing executive-level administrative support, including your primary responsibilities and the position or individual you supported. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

03

Confidentiality & Professional Judgment: Select the option that best describes your experience handling confidential or sensitive information.

• I regularly exercised independent judgment while handling highly confidential or politically sensitive information on behalf of executive leadership.
• I frequently handled confidential information and exercised discretion in a professional administrative role.
• I have occasionally handled confidential information under established procedures.
• I do not have this experience.

04

Government & Administrative Knowledge: Select the option that best describes your knowledge of government organizations, administrative procedures, and policies.

• I have extensive experience applying government administrative procedures, organizational policies, and office practices in my work.
• I have working knowledge of government administrative procedures and policies through my professional experience.
• I have limited familiarity with government administrative procedures and policies.
• I do not have this experience.

05

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft TEAMS skills? (NOTE: To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level. To qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels. To qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the basic level below
• BASIC: Can open TEAMS and send messages to individuals; Navigate to call and begin call or meeting.
• INTERMEDIATE: Can send messages to groups of individuals; Can send files and photos in groups. Can navigate the TEAMS function.
• ADVANCED: Understand sites, permissions, user roles, content types, and best practices; Create, modify, and delete TEAMS channels; Utilize advanced functions as permissions allow.
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all SharePoint functions listed above

06

Please briefly describe your experience overseeing budget, purchasing, travel expenditures and/or similar. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

07

Public Sector Administrative Experience: Have you provided professional administrative support in a city, county, state, or federal government agency, transportation or transit agency, or the office of an elected official?

• Yes
• No

08

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Excel skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)]

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
• BASIC: Create basic worksheets; create basic formulas; use basic functions; modify and format a worksheet; print workbooks
• INTERMEDIATE: Use advanced formulas; organize tables and worksheets; create and modify charts; analyze data using Pivot tables and Pivot Charts; insert and modify graphic objects in a worksheet
• ADVANCED: Create and edit macros; conditional formatting; apply data validation criteria; able to protect, share and merge files; trace cells and troubleshoot formula errors; uses data list outline; consolidate data and link workbooks; export and import text files and XML data; import data from the Web and create Web queries; analyze data using trend lines, Sparklines and scenarios
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Excel functions listed above and uses advanced formulas, functions and arrays; uses information, date and time functions; uses advanced editing and formatting; advanced chart formatting; runs solver models and reports; embed and link information; set up customization including automation

09

If you answered Yes to the question above, briefly describe your experience, including the organization you supported. If No, please enter N/A.

10

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of PowerPoint skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)]

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
• BASIC: Create, save, preview and print
• INTERMEDIATE: Create slides; format text; add and modify graphics; create tables in presentation; imports charts
• ADVANCED: Customize environment; set up a slide master; create custom layouts; add headers and footers; insert and modify SmartArt graphics; add special effect; customize slide animations; customize a design template; covert to video; secure and distribute
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all PowerPoint functions listed above

11

Presentation & Communication: Select the option that best describes your meeting participation experience.

• I routinely communicate with executive leadership, staff, and external stakeholders, facilitate or participate in meetings, present information, and adapt my communication style to diverse audiences.
• I regularly communicate with coworkers and customers, participate in meetings, and share information professionally.
• I have limited experience communicating in professional meetings or presenting information.
• I do not have this experience.

12

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Outlook skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)]

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
• BASIC: Compose email messages; send and respond to messages; organize email into folders; create contact information; schedule appointments; schedule meetings, manage tasks and notes
• INTERMEDIATE: Set calendar options; sort, find and filter messages; create distribution lists; share and delegate folder access; customize toolbar, menu bar, quick access tool bar and the To-DO bar; customize message options; use the journal entry to track and record; assign, reply and track tasks; create public folders and send and post information
• ADVANCED: Personalize with stationary and themes; create signatures; configure email security settings; group items and create search folders; apply conditional formatting; manage data files; create mail merge using contacts; archive messages
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Outlook functions listed above

13

Workload Management: Please describe a time when you managed multiple competing priorities or deadlines. Include how you organized your work and the outcome. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

14

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

15

If you selected Other on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov